Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an intramural sports program that allows students to stay active, have fun, and build lasting friendships. With an emphasis on accessibility and community, the program continues to evolve, offering a space for students of all backgrounds to come together through sport.
One of the most significant advantages of intramural sports at SNHU is the accessibility. Unlike other universities, where sports frequently have a surplus of players, SNHU’s relatively small campus allows anyone who wants to play, the opportunity to do so.
A big selling point for this program is that it’s completely free. While club sports require a varying amount of financial commitment, intramurals are open to the entire student and faculty population at no additional cost.
Intramurals are typically once or twice a week, and players do not have to fully commit to the sports. If there is some type of schedule clash, there are no consequences for missing a game, although some type of message is greatly appreciated.
The intramural program primarily attracts freshmen and sophomores, and the goal is to retain these students throughout their four years at SNHU. Word-of-mouth marketing, collaborations with other campus offices, and the use of IMLeagues for registration all play a role in increasing participation. To further build engagement, new efforts are being made to keep intramurals on students’ minds throughout the week, not just on game days.
Marketing efforts are also expanding, with Competitive Sports Coordinator, Camaron Phillips taking over the SNHU Campus Recreation Instagram (@snhucampusrec). Plans include creating weekly highlight reels, giving student-athlete shoutouts, and most importantly, showcasing the people who make the program what it is.
“We want to be as accessible as possible. We want people to walk to our offices and see our faces and have a conversation,” says Phillips, located in room 252 of the Athletic Complex.
Despite its successes, the intramural program faces challenges, particularly when it comes to facility space. Since varsity and club teams receive higher priority, intramural games must be scheduled around their practices and competitions, however, the team is always open to suggestions for new intramural offerings as long as the facilities can accommodate them.
Beyond simply playing sports, the program strives to create a true community. SNHU’s Campus Recreation Administrator, Brooke Russell, emphasizes the importance of students and staff recognizing each other and forming friendships, both on and off the field.
“Sometimes it takes that one person to just be vulnerable and take a chance,” Russell says. “To see students sign up for everything, even if they’ve never done it before—that is why we do what we do. Because we know it has an impact.”
Russell’s office, referred by her staff as the “Glass Castle,” is located behind the check-in desk in the Athletic Complex’s Fitness Center.
With continued efforts to market, engage, and expand opportunities, the intramural sports program at SNHU is not just about competition, it’s about connection. Whether a seasoned athlete or a first-time player, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, meet new people, and become part of the growing intramural community.
For more information about intramurals, you can either email Brooke Russell at b.russell1@snhu.edu or Camaron Phillips at c.phillips4@snhu.edu. You can also sign up on IMLeagues.com with your SNHU email to register for sports and get notifications about all things intramurals.
